Working Hard for the Money

By Stephen Swoyer

09/02/2005

If the Labor Day weekend left you feeling more pooped than usual, there's a good reason: A majority of adults, according to a new survey, say they are working longer hours and harder but have little to show for it. The findings of the "Working in America: The Disgruntled Workforce" survey, conducted by Harris Interactive and sponsored by Kronos, indicate more than one-quarter of employed adults are dissatisfied with their current employer. Additionally, of the more than 1,000 U.S. employed adults surveyed, 46 percent responded that if the economy continues to improve, they may leave their current employer.

The workforce is ready to reap the advantages of an improved economy. The "Working in America: The Disgruntled Workforce" survey found 77 percent of employed adults are either actively or passively looking for a new job. In fact, 39 percent of active and passive job seekers have looked for a new job while at work. And of those that have looked while at work, an overwhelming 94 percent spend up to 3 hours per week networking or searching online job postings.

In the last 6 months, 43 percent of employed adults have increased their workweek hours, a 9 percent increase over the findings of a similar survey conducted last year. With employees forced to take on the burden of an increased workload, many expect to be rewarded with an increase in compensation. However, while the study found that 68 percent of employed adults had their workload increase over the last 6 months, only 45 percent received a raise during that time.

Fifty-eight percent of employed adults agreed it is more difficult balancing work/life responsibilities today than in the past. This juggling act is demanding on individuals. When asked to identify the affects work has on an individual's personal life, the top two responses given by survey participants were that they feel overtired and overwhelmed (53 percent) and that their family and personal well-being suffers (25 percent).

About the Author

Stephen Swoyer is a contributing editor for Enterprise Systems. He can be reached at [email protected]